Nanotechnology
This article was originally published in SRA
Executive Summary
UK government outlines plans for regulations
UK government outlines plans for regulations
The UK government will undertake a work programme to ensure the safe and ethical use of nanotechnology, but has rejected for the time being calls to fund the research necessary to support the development of robust regulations1-3.
On 25 February 2005, the science and innovation minister, Lord Sainsbury, announced that the government will review current regulations and establish a new cross-government group to coordinate all research into nanotechnology in order to underpin safety assessments. These actions are based on Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies: Opportunities and Uncertainties, a report commissioned by the government in 2003 and compiled by a joint Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering (RS/RAEng) working party4.
Amongst other proposed actions, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which was involved in producing the government response, will work with other EU medicines regulatory authorities to consider the need for specific European guidance on the assessment of risks associated with medicinal products that incorporate nanotechnology.
The RS/RAEng working group welcomed the government's awareness of the need to regulate nanotechnology. In particular, the group praised its commitment to work with industry to improve safety tests for products containing free nanoparticles and nanotubes, and to engage with the public on how nanotechnology should be regulated. However, the group is disappointed that there is no new funding for the research necessary to aid the development of regulations for nanotechnologies, many of which are in the early stages of development.
At a public discussion on nanotechnology supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on 1 March 2005, scientists criticised the government's response5. They highlighted the need for government and industry to establish a dialogue with the public, to avoid a response to nanotechnology similar to that engendered by fears of genetically modified foods.
The government will publish detailed plans on how it will ensure the safe development of nanotechnology in autumn 20056.
References
1. Response to Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering Report: Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies: Opportunities and Uncertainties, UK Government, February 2005, http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/25_02_05nanotech_final.pdf
2. Department of Trade and Industry press release, 25 February 2005, www.gnn.gov.uk/environment/dti
3. Royal Society press release, 25 February 2005, www.royalsoc.ac.uk/news.asp?id=2976
4. The Regulatory Affairs Journal - Pharma, 2004, 15(9), 68
5. Naked Science: Is a nano-future fact or fantasy? Dana Centre, 1 March 2005
6. Nanotechnology and Nanoscience website, www.nanotec.org.uk/index.htm